The Portland daily press., 1887-04-04

in ash or white wood was discovered, but
such an object attracted as much attention
as the wearer of an India helmet would in
still holds place in society, but it has been
outranked by mahogany, oak and cherry.
Bedroom suits made of dark close grained
mahogany are the chief attraction in furni-
ture salesrooms today, and articles, of funi-
ture made of this wood command higher
price than The same designs made up in 9TH
er Fashionable woods. There are many pur-
chasers. however, who prefer the honest.
sturdy looking oak, or the bright and warm
looking cherry.
woods about half century ago, and no doubt
there are stored away in cellars or attics, or
still doing service in the second or third gen
Grafton, many bedstead, bureau or parlor
suit which is just sufficiently antique to meet
a high polish and still wear forever" as the
dealers say, as it is very tough. We know
of one suit of furniture made OF this wood
which has successfully withstood the wear
and tear of two generations OF boys, and has
not as many scars today as the boys them
selves. Oak furniture does not take as bril-
liant palish as mahogany, black walnut or
cherry but il has a business like look, and is
preferred by many because IL mas more
genuine antique appearance. Thls wood is
but little used in the manufacture OF bedroom
suits, but for dining chairs, desks, hat trees
and chiffoniers it is preferred. There are
marked shades in oak, and in the manufac-
ture of desks especially very pretty effect
is produced by the judiclous combination of
these shades. Cherry is used Tor almost
the manufacture of Sleepy Hollow and other
more or less comfortable working chairs and
easy chairs
In furnishing house the wall paper is all
Important and should be chosen, not only
with regard to harmony with the proposed
carpet, furniture and wood work, but also
with consideration to light, and whether you
have heavy, handsome oil paintings for the
walls or engravings, etchings or water col
ors, says a writer in Good Housekeeping.
For north room, or any room not too light,
nothing is prettier for wood work than cher
ry nnlsh-natural il possible; II not, then
limitations. With this wood work paper of
golden olive effect, or two shades of dull
biue or tea green or citrine would be suita-
BILE. For carpets if ingram, one of the new
patterns showing two shades of color; in
TINS case maroon or Indian or dull red In
grain is prferable to tapestry brussels; but
II BODY brussels is preferred, then pattern
showing olive ground with figures in olives,
duli reds and dull blues will be pretty. For
curtains and portieres, if one does not wish
TO go to the expense of buying the handsome
manufactured ones, the best quality of felt
cloth, with broad band of velours at the top
Oh tne same color, gives very satisfactory re-
suits. Care must be observed in regard to
ngure. III the wall paper shows decided
figure, then plain curtains and portieres af-
lord a restful contrast, but il the paper gives
the effect of one color, then figured or striped
draperies are allowable.
For summer wear, mattings, instead OF
carpets, are much used. They come in pref
ty. artistic shades-old pink and shade green,
olive and kdull red, and cost 40 or so cents
yard. In winter a large central rug is used
OF Brussels or Smyrna, or square of ingram
with surrounding border
In regard to bedroom furnishing, don't get
plain, cheap set of furniture.for your own
use and put q handsome suite in the guest
chamber for the benefit of the occasional Wis
itor. Get one bedroom suite of as handsome
style as you can afford, knowing it will
never wear out, aud if nice in the beginning
will always remain so, though it may grow
old fashioned. In the first place decide, if
possible, on the exact sum you wish to use
for your house furnishing. Then go into
your mothers kitchen and pantry and make
complete list of the things which you must
have first of all, though there be no carpet in
the parlor or lamp in the hall. Deduct the
cost OF these from the first amount, and to
expenditure of the remainder devote your
very best Judgment, taste and forethought.